Strange School, Secret Wish

Christina Pike is an English and a Learning Resources Centre teacher at
Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland.

Set in 1927, Strange School, Secret Wish describes the adventures of
13-year-old Jenny Merrill and her family as they travel across Northern
Ontario. Jenny’s father is a school teacher who teaches the children
of the remote railway communities. The schoolhouse is a railway car that
doubles as Jenny’s family home 10 months out of the year. In spite of
this unique situation, the main story focuses on Jenny and her
“strange wish” of owning a Stradivarius violin that she saw in the
Eaton’s catalogue. With the help of her family and friends, Jenny
formulates a plan to get the money for the violin. As she gets closer to
actually owning the violin, Jenny begins to realize how lucky she is.

Bernice Gold has written a wonderful story about perseverance and
family. In the character of Jenny, we see a very likeable, determined
young teen who has many responsibilities and who knows the value of hard
work. But more than a historical look at the life of a young girl whose
father is a dedicated educator, this novel high-lights a time gone by
when the very arrival of a train in a remote area not only brought
excitement and joy but also community. Recommended.